This is a gallery of the top 10 as chosen by you. All cost under £300 and are well worthy of your consideration, but we do have one overall winner… scroll through to reveal the very best. First up: Vintage EST96.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The EST96 looks like a Music Man StingRay with a flame top and a brown/’burst finish. Admirably supported by a Wilkinson double coil bass pickup and a powerful three-band onboard EQ, it’s a more serious contender than might originally be thought”.

Why you love it:

"I used to play a Vintage EST96. True, I chose it chiefly because I was young and skint. But, actually, it did me proud for a good few years and looks and plays much better than its low price portrays. I'd definitely recommend one". (From Adam via email, thanks)

Squier Affinity P-Bass

Ask MusicRadar: the results

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Squier claims that its Affinity P-Bass is the world’s best selling 4-string because of its ‘unmatched value’. We can believe it, too: it feels good, sounds good and it doesn’t look too shabby either”.

Why you love it:

"I've played a few basses in my time and for the money the Affinity P-Bass was pretty impressive". (Thanks, Bob)

Epiphone EB3

Ask MusicRadar: the results

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“For our money there is a certain something about the EB3 that, in spite of having a full scale neck unlike the original, means it still retains the integrity of the classic it emulates. In fact, it goes one step further by becoming an alternative model in the line of SG-shaped basses rather than a direct clone”.

Why you love it:

“Epiphone EB3, I went to the shop expecting to buy a more expensive Fender but came away with this! Probably the best looking bass around, lovely thin neck and surprisingly versatile tones. Faultless build quality too and can be had for less than £200”. (Thanks, spacehog)

"Epiphone EB3 - anything that looks like an SG is alright in my book!". (Thanks, Simon)

Ibanez Jet king JTKB200

Ask MusicRadar: the results

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you want something that looks vintage yet comes with modern build and playability advantages, this is definitely worth considering. And at this price, can you really go wrong?” (Read the full Ibanez Jetking JTKB200 review)

Why you love it:

“Ibanez JetKing bass - looks vintage, plays nice. I had one for a few years and got a decent wad of change from £300”. (Thanks, bama)

“Another shout for the Ibanez Jet King. A bit more individual then the legion of copies around. Sticks to the basics and does the job very well. Also looks pretty good”. (Thanks, AJM)

Squier Classic Vibe 60s Jazz Bass

Ask MusicRadar: the results

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“This Classic Vibe model comes with all of the ‘deluxe’ elements its Fender big brother was introduced with in the 1960s! Narrow fast-action neck, two single-coil pickups and individual volume controls - a well-deserved second place”.

Why you love it:

"In my humble opinion, the best bass guitar (that I know of) under £300 is the Epiphone Thunderbird. It looks great and the one I used to play was perfect for pretty much everything I needed it for. A top notch, versatile beauty." (From Gary via email, thanks)

"Epi Thunderbird, without a shadow..." (Thanks, Dave)

"I'm a late comer to this debate, I know, but I have to big up the Epiphone Thunderbird. Our bassist uses one and it's surely the coolest looking bass around?!" (Thanks, alonetogether)